World Humanitarian Day

“To Serve Humanity is to Worship God”

On this World Humanitarian Day, we join the international community in honoring those who have dedicated their lives to alleviating human suffering and protecting human dignity — often in the world’s most difficult and dangerous circumstances.

As Muslims and followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), we are called to compassion, justice, and service. The Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp) and his noble family emphasize standing with the vulnerable, responding to human needs, and defending the oppressed.

Quranic and Prophetic Guidance

The Holy Quran states: “They give food — despite loving it — to the poor, the orphan, and the captive” (76:8). God praised the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) for their selfless act of giving, even when in need themselves, as a timeless example of true compassion and sacrifice. This verse teaches us to follow their model, to serve others sincerely, seeking only God’s pleasure, and to prioritize the needs of the vulnerable in our daily lives.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp) said, Have mercy on those on the earth, and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you (al-Allama al-Ḥilli, al-Risala al-Sadiyya, vol. 1, p. 143).

The Prophet (pbuh&hp) said, “Whoever feeds a believer who is hungry, God will feed him from the fruits of Paradise. Whoever quenches the thirst of a believer, God will give him to drink from the sealed nectar. And whoever clothes a believer, God will clothe him in green garments (of Paradise).”

And at the end of the narration: “He remains under God’s protection as long as that garment is upon him.” (al-Muḥaddith al-Nūrī, Mustadrak al-Wasāʾil, vol. 12, p. 389- 390, Hadith 14374).

The Prophet (pbuh&hp) also said, “The most beloved of people to God is the one who is most beneficial to others” (al-Muḥaddith al-Nūrī, Mustadrak al-Wasail, vol. 12, p. 390, hadith 14377).

The teachings of Islam do not confine compassion to one’s own group or nation. Serving others — especially those in distress — is a core value in the Quran and Sunnah. As followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut), we are taught that no act of devotion is greater than relieving the suffering of a fellow human being.

Whether through food, shelter, protection, or advocacy, each step toward alleviating hardship is a step closer to Divine mercy.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

As we observe World Humanitarian Day (August 19), a day to honor humanitarian workers and reflect on our collective responsibility, we must not forget one of the most urgent crises of our time: the catastrophic situation in Gaza.

Over recent months, humanitarian organizations and UN agencies have repeatedly sounded the alarm: Gaza is enduring one of the worst human catastrophes in modern history. A staggering number of civilians, including thousands of children, have been killed or injured. Many more remain trapped without access to food, clean water, electricity, or basic medical care. Vital humanitarian corridors remain blocked or severely restricted.

• The IPC and WFP have issued alarming warnings about an unfolding famine. Hundreds of children under five have already died, and tens of thousands are suffering from acute malnutrition (TIME, Washington Post).
• According to official figures from Gaza, at least 175 people — including 93 children — have died of hunger (Reuters, HuffPost).
• More than 1,000 people have been killed and around 5,000 injured while attempting to collect food aid at distribution points (Wikipedia).
• Numerous humanitarian workers, including United Nations staff, have been killed or injured (UN.org).

In the face of such injustice and suffering, silence is complicity. As Muslims, we are called upon to advocate for the oppressed, support relief efforts, and amplify calls for a lasting and just peace rooted in human dignity.

Let this day not be a mere commemoration, but a renewal of our moral and religious obligation to be a source of hope and help to those in greatest need, in Gaza and beyond.

Our Moral and Spiritual Responsibility

From war-torn regions to refugee camps, countless people await our compassion and action. As a Shia Islamic organization, we reaffirm our moral and spiritual commitment:

• To support relief efforts with integrity and urgency
• To stand in solidarity with aid workers and humanitarians
• To promote a vision of Islamic justice rooted in compassion
• To encourage young people to serve sincerely and courageously

We pray for all those who serve humanity and ask God to grant them strength, safety, and success.